New virus threatens computers; NAU e-mail safe

A new computer virus that can delete all commonly used types of documents poses a threat to NAU faculty, staff and student home computers and anyone using off-campus e-mail providers.

The Blackmal.e worm is expected to hit Friday, Feb. 3, but should have little impact on NAU computer systems, including student computers in residence halls. However, users of Yahoo, Hotmail or similar off-campus accounts are susceptible regardless if it is used on or off campus.

Information Technology Services is recommending that users be wary of any attachment they open and make sure their home computers have updated anti-virus software.

McAfee Antivirus Enterprise Edition 7.1 is available free to NAU faculty, staff and students at www.nau.edu/its/software. Users should run a complete virus scan whenever they update their anti-virus software to catch any viruses that may have already infected their computers.

Faculty and staff needing assistance can call (928) 523-1511 or (888) 520-7215. Students can call (928) 523-9294 or (888) 520-7215.

For more background and information, click here.